Patchwork Denim has Once Again Emerged for Spring

Styling together an outfit is all about mixing together complimentary patterns, textures, fits and colors. I don’t always mix more than one pattern in one getup unless they are similar enough without being overwhelming (maybe one is muted down a bit). However, when the same is all considered in the production of one garment, things can get even more interesting! Patchwork is one of those fun mixed-media ideas in terms of designing a piece, and perhaps brings a bit of nostalgia, either from grandma’s quilts or recycling fabrics to make a perfect pair of bell bottoms in the 1970s. It’s a cool category in the denim industry that is always around, but seems to poke its head out from time to time every few years as a new trend. It can be used to portray just about anything from a bold, rebellious street style to a laid-back, friendly aesthetic. It’s been awesome to see how brands get creative with all the ways to create a unique pair of jeans in such a saturated market, and patchwork is always a bright go-to when stuck in a style rut or when you’re just feeling stylishly playful.

Of course, creating your own patchwork pieces are probably more fun in itself, but whether you’re just not feeling up to it or needing some inspiration, there are currently a ton of new designs out on the market as the trend is now re-emerging for Spring and Summer. In 2014 I reviewed a pair of Closed’s Pedal Star Patchwork jeans, which introduced me to the whole concept first-hand. I also reviewed a cool pair from Articles of Society, the Faith Flair in Rio Bueno. Although the Closed skinny pair is awesome fun, I think patchwork definitely works better as a hippy-inspired look with flares!

When it comes to styling a pair of patchwork jeans, I do what I always do when I am wearing something with a pattern or a lot of texture: pair it with something timeless or classic as to not take too much attention away from it or overwhelm the outfit. For example, if that piece is a pair of jeans, I wear a solid color top. If it’s a top, I wear something solid-colored or patternless below. Of course, there are no rules in styling (as I’m sure you’ve seen with some of the most outrageous examples of fashion shows floating around as viral social media posts), but this is what I like to do myself when I’m out and about. On the flip side, if you catch me at a music festival, you might witness a different situation.

Here are some of the most eye-catching, most wardrobe-worthy patchwork denim pieces I could find for all of you, and since I usually post primarily premium-priced (whoah, alliteration) items, I collected more of a mix of prices here, from Free People to Tillys to Revolve to asos.

Like the concept but not sure about the above styles? Here are a lot more to tickle your patchwork denim tastes!